Although the majority of perinatal research focuses on mental health problems in the postnatal period, the beginnings of a shift to recognise the mental health problems women can experience in the prenatal period is emerging … Prenatal meaning before birth, and postnatal meaning after birth.

Prior to introducing this guide, we want to highlight that it is completely normal to experience a range of emotions when preparing for your new arrival. Pregnancy and planning for your baby can bring an element of worry and anticipation about the future. Mixed emotions such as excitement, worry, happiness, and sadness are common when anticipating a change in lifestyle.

Pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can contribute to these emotional changes, particularly in the early months of pregnancy (National Childbirth Trust, 2019). Such emotions are to be expected and do not necessarily indicate a mental health problem. However, there are occasions when women do experience mental health problems in the prenatal period: firstly, we will address the typical changes pregnant mothers can experience, followed by looking at prenatal mental health conditions. Note that we will not discuss postnatal mental health problems in this guide, however you can download our guide to mental health during pregnancy and the post-natal period.

To find out more, download our prenatal mental health guide:

Mental health during pregnancy and the post-natal period is often treated as a taboo subject, especially by those who are suffering. Some people think that having a mental health problem is a reflection on their parenting ability. Others fear that reporting their concerns will lead to the removal of their new child by social services.

Thankfully, these lines of thinking are not based on fact. Social services worldwide want children and parents to stay together as often as possible, and they understand that parental ability is not determined by mental health. Unfortunately, treating the subject as taboo means that many sufferers do not seek the treatment they require at early stages and often suffer unnecessarily.

With this leaflet, we’ll talk you through a number of mental health conditions that affect new mothers. If you are expecting a baby, try not to worry. As a new parent, it is good to be mindful of these things. And, what everyone reading this needs to know is, these conditions are treatable. Never, ever feel ashamed if you are suffering. You are not alone; there are many people, all over the world, in a similar position to you.

Throughout this leaflet we will be using the terms post-natal and pregnancy. In many instances these terms are interchangeable and can also reflect other phrases such as postpartum, antenatal or prenatal, that all relate to various stages of the pregnancy cycle. Whilst there may be certain scenarios that only occur in one stage of pregnancy, there is general agreement in the field that you can use any of these terms when referencing the whole of pregnancy.

To find out more, download our mental health during pregnancy and the post-natal period guide:

Please note, this guide is currently being updated.

We now spend a great portion of our adult lives either in the office or completing work related tasks at home, instead of taking the time to relax and recuperate. Spending this much time on work related tasks increases the impact that working life has on our mental health. Therefore it is important that as an employee you find a way to improve your mental health at work and encourage your employer to make necessary changes for the good of their workforce.

Please note, this guide is currently being updated.

We will all, at times, experience low moods and sadness in our lives. Often we are aware of why we feel this way and it is a response to something upsetting, stressful or frustrating happening to us; however, there are times that we may not be able to pinpoint why we feel sad or low.

Usually these feelings pass in a short amount of time and we are able to move on with our lives. But unfortunately, for some people, they either do not stop or frequently reoccur. In these cases, the person is likely to be suffering from depression.